Back in 2003, two friendly Newcastle neighbours (a high school teacher and a statistician) came up with an idea over a few drinks; a music event, but different. The music would be great of course, but it would also be something that the local community could be part of. It would be an event for everyone, serviced by local groups, with the main focus being on fun, connection and affordability.

Fast forward to Saturday 24 April 2005, Groovin the Moo’s first show and inaugural year. After setting up at the Gloucester Showgrounds (NSW), 1,400 people streamed through the gates to see the Screaming Jets, Killing Heidi, Evermore, Grinspoon and a bunch of local Newcastle bands. What a special moment, seeing your idea come to life.

Groovin the Moo returned in 2006, taking to Maitland (NSW), Albury (NSW) and Darwin (NT) and featured its very first International act, Gomez (UK) alongside Aussie legends Hilltop Hoods, The Herd, Faker and more.

After only just two years, in 2007, Maitland GTM saw its first sell-out show, with Silverchair and The Black Keys (USA) headlining. This same year, GTM visited Albury one more time with the likes of Grinspoon, Sneaky Sound System and Xavier Rudd.

In 2008, Maitland sold out again. GTM also got to see how much Northern Queenslanders loved to party when the show went to Townsville (QLD) bringing along The Presets, The Potbelleez and Spiderbait.

The GTM family grew in 2009 and expanded to Bendigo (VIC) in addition to returning to Maitland and Townsville, but it didn’t stop there. In 2010, two new shows were added – Bunbury (WA) and Canberra (ACT). With an epic selection of bands always present on the bill, the team worked hard to deliver three weekends of magic and mayhem.

GTM didn’t slow down over the course of 2011, 2012 and 2013, focusing on ensuring that every show continued to grow and be bigger and better than the previous year. The hard work paid off, with the line up continuing to grow and the events selling out nationally each year.

In 2014, long-laid plans of expanding into the Adelaide Hills region (SA) came to life as GTM took to Oakbank. The following years, 2015 and 2016 saw the tour continue at this pace, touring across five states and a territory over three weekends, each year!

In 2017, South Australians descended on Wayville, making the state’s agricultural Showground the new home for their local GTM. 2018 provided the opportunity to consolidate and reflect on how the music, culture and community of each region is knitted together to form the rich tapestry that is a GTM show.

In 2019, we welcomed a “commoonity” far and wide from across the world. With both local and international acts, patrons and team members, GTM is always a time to remember. We found a new home in the ACT and gave ourselves a fresh start in an established venue!

After two years of being away, patiently waiting out the pandemic in a paddock, it’s time for Groovin the Moo to start on the path of regenerating the festival, reconnecting with our regions and rejoicing with our GTM community – and by community, we mean our patrons, artists, team members, suppliers and stakeholders.

It’s been quite the journey so far and we love the fresh energy that our GTM community brings to this festival, all eager to grow something of their own.

We can’t wait to see you at Groovin the Moo, 2022.

Photo: Kane Hibberd – GTM Bendigo, 2017

General – [email protected]

Press – [email protected]

Food & Drink Vendors – apply here

Market Traders – apply here

Partnerships – [email protected]

Artists – All our emerging artists are selected through triple j Unearthed, so make sure you upload your tracks there.

GET INVOLVED
Are you keen to join the team and become an integral part of GTM? We’re looking for people to join us across a range of roles to get some great festival experience and be a part of the GTM team. You can find out more and register your interest here. Market stallholders can submit applications here and catering stallholders can apply here.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION
The Media Accreditation application process for all GTM 2023 shows will open at 8AM AEDT Wednesday 1 March 2023 and will close on Wednesday 5 April 2023 at 5PM AEST.

Check back here to access the application form on Wednesday 1 March.

Any queries relating to media accreditation should be sent to [email protected] – please allow 48 hours for a response.